Research article summary (published 30 Mar 2008):

Weak hand preference in children with down syndrome is associated with language deficits.

Full Abstract

This study explores associations between language ability and hand preference in children with Down syndrome. Compared to typically developing children of the same age, children with Down syndrome showed weaker hand preference, were less consistent in the hand they used and also less willing to reach to extreme positions in contralateral space. Within the group of children with Down syndrome, those who showed a stronger or more consistent hand preference had better language and memory skills. This association could not be explained by differences in non-verbal cognitive ability or hearing loss. These findings are discussed within the theory of neurolinguistic development proposed by Locke [Locke (1997). Brain & Language, 58, 265-326].

Author information

Author/s: Groen, M A (MA); Yasin, I (I); Laws, G (G); Barry, J G (JG); Bishop, D V M (DV);

Affiliation: University of Hamburg, Biological Psychology and Neuropsychology, Von-Melle-Park 11, 20146 Hamburg, Germany. margriet.groen(-atsign-)uni-hamburg.de

Grants: (Agency:Wellcome Trust)

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Journal: Developmental psychobiology (Dev Psychobiol), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2008-Apr; vol 50 (issue 3) : pp 242-50

Dates: Created 2008/03/17; Completed 2008/04/14;

PMID: 18335492, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 2/18/2009, IMS Date: 18 Feb 2009 00:00:00)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Adolescent Articulation Disorders - diagnosis; psychology Auditory Threshold Child Choice Behavior Down Syndrome - diagnosis; psychology Female Functional Laterality Humans Imagination Language Development Disorders - diagnosis; psychology

Male Motor Skills Neurolinguistic Programming Orientation Psychomotor Disorders - diagnosis; psychology Psychomotor Performance Reference Values Semantics Statistics as Topic Vocabulary Wechsler Scales

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